New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has announced that CCTV cameras will be installed in all railway coaches and locomotives to enhance passenger safety. This decision follows the success of pilot installations in select coaches and engines of Northern Railway, the ministry confirmed in a press release issued Sunday.
“This step will play a key role in deterring criminal activities and ensuring the safety of passengers, especially from miscreants and organised gangs who often exploit unsuspecting travellers,” the statement said. To maintain passenger privacy, the CCTV cameras will be placed in common movement areas near the doors rather than inside compartments.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu reviewed the progress of the pilot project in a high-level meeting on Saturday. Senior officials from the Railway Board participated in the review and shared that the trial phase was successfully completed.
The ministry has approved the installation of CCTV cameras in all 74,000 passenger coaches and 15,000 locomotives. Each coach will be equipped with four dome-type CCTV cameras—two at each entrance. Locomotives will be fitted with six cameras: one each at the front, rear, and both sides, as well as one dome camera and two desk-mounted microphones in both the front and rear cabs.
The new CCTV systems will feature the latest technology and be STQC certified. Emphasising the need for quality, Minister Vaishnaw directed officials to ensure that the video footage remains clear even at high speeds (over 100 km/h) and in low-light conditions.
The minister also encouraged officials to explore the integration of artificial intelligence into the surveillance system, in partnership with the India AI mission. AI could help in real-time monitoring and faster identification of suspicious activities.
By placing cameras in common areas, the railways aim to strike a balance between enhancing security and respecting passenger privacy. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise railway infrastructure and improve the travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.
